A quirky sidewalk landmark in Chicago’s North Side neighborhood of Roscoe Village, known affectionately as the “rat hole,” was removed after city officials determined it needed to be replaced due to damage. The imprint resembling a rat had become a popular attraction for visitors who would leave coins and other items scattered across the sidewalk. Some residents argued that the imprint was actually made by a squirrel, not a rat. The square of sidewalk containing the famous rat hole is now in temporary storage, with its future placement expected to be a collaborative decision between city departments and the mayor’s office.
In response to complaints from neighbors about the rat hole attracting visitors at all hours, the Chicago Department of Transportation decided to remove the damaged section of sidewalk, along with other portions of sidewalk along Roscoe Street. Crews used a concrete saw, forklift, and truck to remove the slab and drive it away, much to the surprise of residents who witnessed the operation. New concrete was poured in place of the removed section later the same day. Alderman Scott Waguespack’s office had been receiving complaints for several months about the uneven sidewalk and the disturbances caused by people gathering to look at and photograph the rat hole.
The attention garnered by the rat hole increased in January after a Chicago comedian shared a photo of it on social media, attracting more visitors and leading to further complaints from residents. Despite efforts to fill in the rat hole with white plaster, fans quickly dug it out again. Some nearby residents claimed that the imprint had been there for nearly two decades, becoming a beloved part of the neighborhood’s identity. The removal of the rat hole has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some mourning the loss of the quirky landmark while others welcome the removal due to the disturbances it caused in the neighborhood.
The decision to remove the rat hole and replace the damaged sidewalk was made by the Chicago Department of Transportation after inspections revealed the need for repairs. The slab of sidewalk with the rat imprint will undergo further evaluation to determine its final placement, with input from city departments and the mayor’s office. The removal of the rat hole highlights the challenges of balancing public interest in quirky landmarks with the need for maintaining urban infrastructure. Despite the removal of the rat hole, its memory will likely live on in the neighborhood, sparking conversations about the impact of unusual attractions on city life and community identity.
